June 12, 2010

Simon in Baltimore; will be activated in a couple days

Closer Alfredo Simon, who strained his left hamstring running to cover first base on May 23 against the Washington Nationals, returned to Baltimore from Florida on Saturday and could throw a simulated game at Camden Yards on Sunday morning before the Orioles-New York Mets series finale.

It depends on whether the Mets take batting practice on the field Sunday.

“He’s been throwing (in Sarasota). It’s not an arm injury, it’s a leg injury so we are taking all those things under consideration,” Samuel said.

If all goes well, Simon could be activated from the disabled list in time for the start of the club’s six-game road trip that begins Monday in San Francisco. The exact timeline has not been decided, Samuel said, because the team is also considering what corresponding move will be made to make room for Simon.

The Orioles could demote a pitcher to Triple-A Norfolk such as reliever Frank Mata (1.29 ERA in seven games) or Brad Bergesen (3-4, 6.66 ERA), who could return to the Tides’ rotation. They could also designate reliever Matt Albers (2-3, 5.53 ERA), who is out of options, or go to a three-man bench and send outfielder Lou Montanez back to Norfolk.

Simon (1-1, 2.92 ERA, six saves) is expected to return to the closer’s role, though he may be spelled on occasion by David Hernandez, a former starter who picked up his first career Thursday night.

Comments

Go Juan Samuel! Trembley probably would have pulled Matusz after he gave up that homer to Francoeur, but Samuel stuck with him. Our young starters needed to be trusted to go longer and to come back after the home run.

WITH ohman returning to the matchup slot he was doing so well in, hendrickson back to long relief,Berken, MATA, Simon, Hernandez, hopefully Gonzalez back to work matchup or setup the orioles BP may finally settle down.. I expect Bergensen will be in the pen until mid july if we trade millwood.. I like moore better than lugo as the utility, but we have to pull the trigger on atkins to find a new home. He is dead wood on a bench not that deep..

This fan welcomes Simon back but I see Berken And Hernandez staying in the pen.. I think bergensen stays too unless they option him so he can start every 5 days..I would expect him to be thenext back in the rotation if injury or trade opens a spot..I don't see the huge reason for the lack of power, it should be closer to last years output.. Nothing will help us short of pulling the trigger on a trade for a slugging 1B, LF now.. AS most every fan realizes there are few teams playing badly enough to cosider such a trade now.. Milwaukee might be one but few others have what we need that are playing so badly..

Agreed. Your done here Albers. The Calvary is here. I think we're in good shape with Millwood, Guthrie, Matusz, Arrietta, Tillman, Bergesen, Berken, Hendrickson, Ohman, Mata, Hernandez, and Simon as our 12 man staff. Now if we could could just trade for some hitting. I keep lobbying for this LH 1st baseman in AAA st Louis named Mark Hamilton, he's has power, hits at a near .300 clip and HES FROM BALTIMORE.

THE one thing Andy Macphail could do to help this lineup might be an expensive trade for feilder to protect our lineup then sign him to an extension.. OR Chris Davis of the rangers might be available with Smoak on the scene but he isn't the threat or answer fielder would be..Let lugo and atkins go even a pinch runner type would be more use than atkins bat.. I was one who liked the risk there but he isn't getting it done and is literally dead weight on a bench that can't afford it..

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About the bloggers

A Baltimore native, Dan Connolly has been covering sports for 14 years, and baseball and the Orioles for 10 seasons, including the past six with The Sun. His first year covering baseball on a daily basis was Cal Ripken Jr.'s final season as a player. It's believed that is just a coincidence.

Steve Gould is an assistant sports editor for The Sun, overseeing Orioles coverage. The Columbia native joined The Sun as a sports copy editor in 2006 after graduating from the University of Maryland.

Peter Schmuck has been covering baseball for a lot longer than Steve Gould has been on this earth. He is now a general sports columnist, but has been a beat writer covering three major league teams (the Dodgers, Angels and Orioles) and also spent a decade as the Sun's national baseball writer. If you want more of his insight on the Orioles and other sports issues, check out his personal blog -- The Schmuck Stops Here.